River rapids are rated by a numeral system. Class V is the most difficult level rapid that can be negotiated.

This non-traditional beer is an Oatmeal Stout, Milk Stout and an Imperial Stout all in one. With a complex flavor profile ranging from coffee to chocolate, the sweetness is complemented with Chinook and Cascade hops to produce an extraordinary finish. But at 8.5% ABV, don't let the smooth taste fool you; this beer is like the Kern at high water - "Not for the Timid".

What we have here is a very different Imperial Stout. Highly drinkable and interesting, with a tangy dryness that keeps you coming back for more. Love the balance and the depth that opens up after each sip.

On tap at Imbibe. Had this many times on tap at KRBC but never posted a review. Pours black with a thick head. As you drink the beer it leaves a lot of lace down the glass. The smell and taste is that of cocoa with a hint of chocolate. The mouthfeel is medium to heavy. What I think makes this stout so good is the depth of flavors. That fact that it is a three way stout probably contributes to this. A very good stout that never disappoints.

22 oz Bomber.When you open this brew up the first thing you notice is the great smell of it.Solid ABV of 8.5 and the different flavors you taste,Just outstanding.Poured this into a 20 oz Firestone glass and let the party begin.Cranked up the Cars on the bose sounddock and we were in high gear.Good stout that I will revisit.Give it a try.Motley Drunk out.

Thanks to solomon for this brew in a trade. Cheers! Pours jet black and with a very thin head. Smells of malt & coffee. Taste is an enjoyable mix of roasted malt and coffee. Mouthfeel is very smooth. It takes a few sips to detect the etoh but it is in there. This is a very good American Stout.

Whoa, there's lots of chocolate in this. And it never goes away, its there throughout the entire bottle and mouthfeel. Rich. Alcohol is not as strong as I thought it would be, melds nicely. No off flavors, mild hopping, but make no mistake, the chocolate is the top dawg on this one. And its lovely. If you like Rogue's Chocolate Stout, this is similar in the immensity of the chocolate, but has a thicker and chewier mouthfeel to it. Good amount of smooth and sweetness to it, this one really does push forward all the good things from a milk and oatmeal stout with the largeness of an imperial and of course, the chocolat!

Poured nearly pitch black into my new hand blown Dogfish Head glass, brownd ruby edges when held toward the light. Dark tan head forms nice and thick with chunky sporadic lacing forming nicely between sips and as it settles. Aromatics offer up dark chocolate and coffee roasts with hints of anise and herbal hops in the background. Flavor wise the chinooks were evident with a green spicy herbal leaf flavor amongst te dark creamy chocolate and coffee bursts. A very nice big American stout from the west coast, these Kern River beers are so drinkable this one has a big body but nothing about it hurts the drinkability. Carbonation is smooth and mellow slightly chewy with body being so big, but it never becomes cloying. A beer I will be on the look for if it every comes East or shows up in the Burgh.

Shipped from Hi-Times back in July... brought a couple of bottles to share at DDay.

Pours black with a 2-finger off white head.

A copious amount of dark malt in the nose. Hints of coffee and some hops as well. I can tell this is a west coast stout right off the bat. Nothing too nuts, but this is a solid pour and first smell.

Those roasted malts and coffee are prominent in the taste as this glides down easy. Not picking up much more as it warms. Perhaps some added sweetness. As expected, a tad thin in the mouthfeel, but that makes it all the more drinkable.

My first taste from Kern River and I hope I can try the BA version of this in the future.

Flavors are great and robust with excellent balance. Nice mocha and dark chocolate, coffee and deep dark malt notes.

Full bodied but not heavy at all. Very nice. Just a touch dry. Med-high carbonation but a nice creamy carbonation.

Overall, Just a perfect imperial stout especially for the value. IMO this and Stone IRS are absolutely the best overall stouts around especially for the price. Excellent from nose to flavor and mouth. Bright and robust. Better that many big special released imperials I've had.